Greater BYPY Awards 2026

Who should apply?

We are looking for young professionals who have gone above and beyond in their roles, people who are passionate about this region and are doing brilliant things. You must be aged 35 years or younger on the 24 September 2026.

Do I need to be a Future Faces member to apply?

No! The GBYPY Awards are open to anyone who lives or works in the Greater Birmingham region, and who is aged 35 years or younger on 24 September 2026. 

Which category should I apply for?

Our best advice is to decide what you want to be known for. This may be the industry you work in, or something that aligns with what you have gone above and beyond with. Only you can decide.

Do I have to pay to apply?

No. It is free to apply for the awards. All shortlisted candidates are also given a complimentary ticket to the event.

How do I apply for an award?

Go to the “Apply for an Award” tab, and click “Apply now.” You will be asked to login to your account (or create one), and submit your information through there. We recommend you draft your application offline and then copy and paste it into the online form when you are ready. This is because the system times out if you do not save your progress as you go.

What questions will I be asked?

The application form will ask for basic details about you and your company. You will be asked three questions in relation to your chosen category. These are who are you (an overview of your role), your story so far (your career journey to date), and how are you going above and beyojnd in your chosen category.

When do applications close?

Monday 18 May at 23.59.

How many categories can I apply to?

You may apply for one category only.

Can I apply if I applied last year?

Yes. You can apply again this year, including if you were shortlisted. However, if you won a category in 2025, you are not able to apply for the same category again.

What is the judging process?

Once applications have closed, our judges will score them against pre-determined criteria, to create a shortlist. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person interview on Thursday 9 July, where the final round of judging will take place.

How do you ensure the process is fair?

Judges are asked to declare any conflicts of interest where they arise, and the process is overseen by the chair of judges. Judges take into consideration the candidate's age or length of experience in relation to the application. Sponsors are not eligible to apply to the category they are sponsoring. 

When will the shortlist be announced?

We anticipate the shortlist will be announced in mid-June, when invitations to interviews will be sent. All applicants will be contacted to inform them of the outcome.

What happens if I am shortlisted?

All shortlisted individuals must attend an interview on Thursday 9 July (details will be sent in advance.) They will be given one complimentary ticket to the Awards, and we encourage you to purchase more. We will share further details directly with shortlisted individuals once announced.

When is the deadline to purchase tickets?

Monday 7 September at 23:59.

Do I need a physical ticket?

No, we do not send or post physical tickets. A confirmation email will be sent with an e-ticket around one week before the Awards.

Do I need to bring confirmation on the day?

Please show your e-ticket on the day. If you have booked multiple places, the e-ticket will need to be forwarded onto your guests also. 

Can I buy multiple tickets?

Yes! You can buy tickets individually, or in bundles of 5 or 10.

Will I be sat with other guests in my group?

Where tickets are booked by an individual or company, we will endeavour to seat you together. We cannot guarantee particualr seats, esepcially when bookings are made in different transactions.

I am the lead booker for my company. Will details be sent to all my guests?

No, as the lead booker, once you have been sent your final confirmation email including your e-ticket, you will need to forward this onto any guests attending.

Can I edit my booking details?

Yes, you can manage your account and edit names and dietary requirements. This also applies if you are the lead booker for your guests. If you want to book tickets and do not know the names or dietaries of your guests this can be left as 'tbc' and edited up until Monday 7 September. 

What does my ticket include?

Your ticket includes full catering and entertainment. If you wish to purchase additional drinks during the duration of the night, a bar will be available. 

What is the age restriction?

This event is for people aged 18+. Anyone who qualifies as a young professional but is under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

What happens if I need to cancel my ticket?

Please submit a cancelation request through the Chamber portal. If you cancel your place within 30 days of the event you are not entitled to a refund.

What is the menu?

There will be a selection of catering options which you may choose from on the night. All dietary requirements will be catered for, as long as they have been declared in advance.

How do I declare my dietary requirements?

You can do this during the booking process. To amend dietary requirements at a later date, go to your booking in your online account, and edit your details.

What is the deadline for confirming dietary requirements?

Monday 7 September. We cannot guarantee any later requests.

When and where will the Awards evening take place?

Thursday 24 September 2026 at the Town Hall, Birmingham.

What format will the Awards take?

This is a new style of awards ceremony. Guests will buy tickets rather than tables, and be seated in theatre-style rows for part of the evening. The latter part of the evening will be festival-style, with ample opportunities for networking, entertainment and catering.

What sponsorship packages are available?

You can learn more about the sponsorship packages here.

What if I want a bespoke sponsorship package?

Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss.

What are the benefits of sponsoring the Awards?

The GBYPY Awards celebrate rising talent with the region's largest network of young professionals. Sponsorship places your brand front and centre, positioning you as a leader in the region and a champion of young talent. Sponsors receive ongoing promotion, event tickets, facilitated introductions and other high value opportunities depending on the level of sponsorship.

How can I partner with you for the Awards?

If you have a service to offer (e.g. entertainment, decoration, media,) please get in touch to discuss at [email protected]